When you’ve spent the summer writing your Common App Personal Statement, crafting compelling UC Personal Insight Question (PIQ) responses can be a challenging switch. You only have 350 words and these are not technically “essays” (please forgive our use of this word below – it just makes sense!). As one of the critical components of the UC application, the PIQ’s provide a unique opportunity for you to showcase your academic passions, personality, experiences, and growth. Take a look at the tips below to write powerful UC PIQs that stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on UC Admission Officers, some of the fastest readers in the game!
Crafting a Strong Hook (but don’t be too clever!)
An impactful hook is vital for any essay, and UC PIQs are no exception. A strong hook can make the difference between readers engaging with your entire essay and merely skimming through it.
Experiment with various hooks, such as starting with a powerful quote, a vivid anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or an attention-grabbing statement. The key is to make your introduction captivating and unique to compel the reader to continue reading.
However, don’t get too funky. The UC’s review quickly, so clear and concise writing style is key. Avoid flowery language or unnecessary details that may distract from your main message. A well-structured essay ensures that AO’s can quickly grasp the key points you are trying to convey.
Introducing a Clear Thesis
To further help with the above advice, we’d recommend incorporating a concise thesis statement either at the end of your first paragraph or the beginning of your second paragraph. This statement should succinctly answer the prompt and outline the focus of your essay.
For instance, if the prompt is “Describe an example of your leadership experience,” your thesis might be “By managing my coding project team, I learned to resolve disputes and create an encouraging community.” The thesis will also help you clarify the purpose of your essay and stick to it : )
The Rule of Thirds: A Balanced Approach
When writing your UC PIQs, consider a simple 3-paragraph structure and the “Rule of Thirds.” Divide your essay into three distinct parts: the problem or inciting incident, addressing the problem, and personal growth.
- Start with 1/3 “Problem”: Begin by presenting a challenge, obstacle, or a significant moment in your journey with this topic. Even if you’re writing about an academic subject, you can probably think of the moment you first became captivated by it or doubled-down on your learning in a new way. This first paragraph sets the stage for your story, capturing the reader’s attention and encouraging them to keep reading.
- Follow with 1/3 “Addressing the Problem”: After introducing the problem or a key moment, dive into how you approached it. Emphasize that your focus is not necessarily on fixing the issue entirely but rather on your response and actions taken to confront the challenge. For academic essays, be sure to slow down and show readers how your brain works!
- Conclude with 1/3 “Personal Growth”: Convey the lessons learned or personal growth that resulted from addressing the problem. Showcase your ability to learn and evolve from the experiences you encounter.
Diversifying Your Topics
One of the most common tips from UC admissions is to choose four different aspects of your life for the four essays. Consider selecting topics that cover various areas, such as family, hobbies, community involvement, academics, personal challenges, or leadership experiences.
This approach provides a well-rounded view of your personality and experiences, increasing your chances of leaving a lasting impression of who you are and what you can bring to the UC community!
Proofread and Edit
As with all apps, before submitting your UC PIQs, thoroughly proofread and edit your essays to eliminate any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. Sloppy writing can detract from the impact of your essay, so take the time to ensure your work is polished and error-free.
Bonus: Repurposing for Supplemental Essays
With EA/ED deadlines falling before the UC App is due (11/30), you may have to press pause on your PIQ’s until you get started on your school-specific supplementals. Similarly to how the UC’s use the 4 PIQ’s to view various aspects of who you are, colleges use supplemental prompts to learn about parts of your life experiences that may not be highlighted in your personal statement. As you brainstorm UC and supplemental topics, think through how certain themes or experiences can be adapted to suit other prompts. We know you have a lot of writing to do! This strategic approach can save time and energy, giving you the space to go deep.
Good luck!
While the UC PIQs may not require full-blown creative essays like the Common App Personal Statement, they still offer an opportunity to showcase your unique identity and what you can contribute to UC campuses. Be genuine and authentic in your responses, sharing genuine insights into your experiences, values, and aspirations. As with each essay you write, colleges want to know YOU.
As always, if you need more help, please reach out. And be sure to sign up in advance for our UC Application walk-through: Do UC What I See? on October 22nd. Click here to save your seat.
